The untold story of Malaysia's role in SpaceX's survival.
Malaysia was instrumental in keeping SpaceX alive in its early years. One could argue it helped save Elon during his lowest financial period.
Falcon 1's first three launches, 2006 to 2008, all failed. The company was nearly bankrupt — grown men were weeping after the third failure. The fourth flight in September 2008 finally reached orbit with a dummy payload, RatSat. But still, no paying customer.
SpaceX needed a real commercial customer to prove the business was viable.
That customer was Malaysia.
Malaysia was looking to launch its satellite, RazakSAT, and needed a reliable, cost-effective option. Dr Ahmad Sabirin first give Elon a call on Christmas 2003 to explore the possibilities of launching of satellite to the low equatorial orbit and met in El Segundo, And after many discussions, they agreed to launch from Omelek Island in the Kwajalein Atoll.
On July 14, 2009, RazakSAT flew — the fifth and final Falcon 1, and SpaceX's first-ever commercial launch. The Malaysian flag Jalur Gemilang was painted on the side of the rocket.
That payment helped SpaceX make payroll through its hardest stretch. And it put Malaysia in orbit. Win win.
For old times' sake, Elon should drop by Malaysia. Ask someone to hold his teh tarik for one more handshake.
Dr Ahmad Sabirin & Elon, 2004.
31.12.2025
ayah: "comel sangat awak harini"
mak segan nak peluk sebab kat luar rumah tapi Allah gerakkan hati mak untuk peluk ayah jugak. And that was the last hug from mak untuk ayah.
Dua jam lepastu ayah hembuskan nafas terakhir.
Al-fatihah buat almarhum ayah saya
people love to assume Siti Nurhaliza slimmed down through aesthetic treatments, but the truth is far less dramatic, she’s been putting in the work.
Since 2021 she’s been consistent with Muay Thai, gym, jogging and other sports, on top of maintaining a disciplined diet.
I condemn in the strongest terms Israel’s interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla. These vessels carried unarmed civilians and life-saving humanitarian supplies for Gaza, yet they were met with intimidation and coercion.
By blocking a humanitarian mission, Israel has shown utter contempt not only for the rights of the Palestinian people but also for the conscience of the world. The flotilla embodied solidarity, compassion and the hope of relief for those under blockade.
Malaysia will use all legitimate and lawful means at our disposal to ensure that Israel is held to account, especially in matters concerning Malaysian citizens. The safety and dignity of our people are paramount, and we will not allow them to be compromised with impunity.
As long as the Palestinian people are denied their fundamental rights and aspirations, Malaysia will stand unflinchingly with them. We will not relent in demanding an end to the injustice and dispossession that have plagued Palestine for generations.
Photo : Reuters